Agnostic DUer calls out for prayer...

Just to preface: I was raised in a Fundie family, and the hypocritical environment has left me Agnostic.

I just viewed a picture of three beautiful little girls who live in Baghdad, in this thread...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1498283

My heart is breaking right now. I can't stand this anymore. I am willing to forgo my own belief system in the hope that there really is a benevolent bearded cloud being looking out for us. Would anyone here be interested in joining this hopeful, angry, and terrified Agnostic in a moment of silence, prayer, positive thought?

Dear God, what have we done?

I'll pray. :hug:

:hug:

Let's not forget our own in this... We have a tragedy in our own country too... let's include them.

Thank you.

(if you don't mind a Methodist pastor joining you)

If I were to ever "go back to church" it would be a Methodist church... all of the love and joy, none of the hellfire and brimstone;)


Thank you so much for joining in... I'm going to assume you are one of the good ones who walks the talk... I'm betting on it... I'm counting on it...


Thank you so much!


:hug:

...but he doesn't "walk the walk". If he is a "Christian", then I am Jesus Christ!!!!

This was back in 2002? 2003?
Apparently, the elders of the Methodists were concerned at his
babbling and twisting of scripture and thus requested a
dialogue with him.
He refused to meet with them.
I think that's all we need to know about Shrubbie's so called
Christianity.

BHN

Seems to me they were speaking out against war and hate a bit too.

Perhaps God really does work in mysterious ways... "we" should stop questioning those ways.

I had a music ministry when I was 14... the church elders decided I was way too rock 'n roll for church. Yet I was filling the church with youngsters every Sunday night. Baby meets bathwater.

I pity his poor soul.

Think you could see fit to administer a few extra smitings upon certain heads of state, O Lord?

I once saw a bumper-sticker that said "What would Mr. Rogers do?". The world would be a better place if we all did that.

I'd follow Mr. Rogers before I'd follow some of the
hate mongers "leading" flocks these days!
BHN

We have one neighborhood, and it's a beautiful day for a good neighbor!

Thanks for stopping by, neighbor!

He was a Presbyterian minister, not a Methodist. My bad. I have many friends who are Methodists and Presbyterians, and they do seem to be more liberal and tolerant than most denominations, so I occasionally confuse the two.

Heartfelt apologies rendered.

In fact, they are so good... I'm betting you are forgiven;)

Tolerant... you mean, like that long-haired, sandal-wearing, peace-loving guy we learned about in Sunday School? The one who taught us that money is the root of all evil and that we should love our brothers and sisters, even the prostitutes and lepers?

Yes. Tolerant.

:hug: Haven't seen you in a long time!

One of the very few things God asks of us is to love others
as He loves us.
You just did.
Welcome to the fold.
I am sorry you have been the victim of "religiousity."
But trust me when I tell you the pang in your heart that prompted
to ask for prayer for others is the love of the real God touching your heart.

BHN

You brought a tear to my eye. I believe you, fully and completely.

An old friend once told me that he loved spiritual people, but that religious people scared the hell out of him:) I vowed to keep the spirit side that day.

There is so much hate and evil in the world, and just as nature seeks a balance, we must also seek balance. The only way I know of to balance hate and evil, is with love.

I read recently where a scientist noted that the deeper he delved into what appeared to be a very complicated issue, the simpler the answers were. I believe this is true of all things.

Thank you for being here.

:hug:

"What the hell are you people doing?"

I happen to believe that God makes himself known to everyone in a different
way, the common denominator in all being love.

It may not look the way you think it should, and that is the problem
with religiousity. Man trying to say he knows what God looks like in others,
or does not look like.

Personally, I think some of the Indigenous people I have studied live
more Christian lives than most Christians I know.

Won't those who spent more time hating, than loving in the name of God be
surprised someday?

BHN

And asking tough questions in church. I began to seriously fear those who claimed to know all there is about God.

This scripture, above all others, has stuck with me all my life:

'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

And when I hear televangelists today, or hear Bush speak of his "faith" I think of this:

Matthew 7:15-20
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

I didn't make many friends among the church elders, needless to say. I was a simple young girl who expected people to live up to that which they were trying to teach me. What did I know?

:hug:

Test the Spirits

1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,
because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God:
Every spirit that acknowledges
that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus
is not from God.
This is the spirit of the antichrist,
which you have heard is coming and
even now is already in the world.

4 You, dear children, are from God and have
overcome them, because the one who
is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

(As your prayer for others proves)

5 They are from the world and therefore speak
from the viewpoint of the world,
and the world listens to them.

6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us;
but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.
This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

Do notice the "spirit of the anti-christ" reference...remind you of
anyone when combined with "by their fruits you shall know them?

BHN

I'm saving this one on my "favorite scriptures" page!

Yes, combine the two and it's erie how much this speaks of Bush!

Thanks for this!

I'm terribly glad that I once had a minister who
told me to read the scriptures for myself, asking
God to reveal their truth- as in he did not want to impose his
interpretations, but rather told me to ask for discernment from
God. He told me that in order to know when I was hearing
false teachers, I would need to know what the scriptures
said. So I did what he told me and it always amazes
me how just the right scripture now comes to my mind
at exactly the moment I need it.
I am not perfect in the least, but I do believe the
God within me is, and is always available to guide me
if I take the time to ask.

1 John 4 came to my mind the minute I heard
the Shrub quoting Isaiah 61, basically declaring
himself the Messiah.

Isaiah 61 is the verse that later appears in Luke 4
where Jesus pull it out to reveal to the Church of
Nazareth that he is the Messiah in the prophecy of
Isaiah...

Creepy, huh?

BHN

Thanks for that. I couldn't possibly agree more with what that minister told you. What a wise person.

Bush has a superiority complex!

Most so called "Christians" wouldn't even recognize him. He'd be derided by Fox News as some "liberal, whacko, longhaired nutjob".

If you think about it, Jesus was the first liberal.

If God Was One of Us

If God had a name, what would it be
And would you call it to his face
If you were faced with him in all his glory
What would you ask if you had just one question

And yeah yeah God is great yeah yeah God is good
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

What if God was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home

If God had a face what would it look like
And would you want to see
If seeing meant that you would have to believe
In things like heaven and in jesus and the saints and all the prophets

And yeah yeah god is great yeah yeah god is good
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

What if God was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home
He's trying to make his way home
Back up to heaven all alone
Nobody calling on the phone
Except for the pope maybe in rome

And yeah yeah God is great yeah yeah God is good
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

What if god was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home
Just trying to make his way home
Like a holy rolling stone
Back up to heaven all alone
Just trying to make his way home
Nobody calling on the phone
Except for the pope maybe in rome


Thanks for being here, NotGonnaTakeIt!

Prayer is always a positive force, regardless of the specifics of your belief (or non-belief) system. If nothing else, it calms you like meditation and reminds you of what your values really are, collects your thoughts. And then you can take action.

I have three daughters. I will expand my prayers.

I have three grown children, but as a mom who is forever a mom, I see "my child" in the faces of all children.


Thank you for being here.

:hi:

n'est ce pas?
:D

And that's pretty much my point. Filling your heart and mind with good things, hope and love for your brother and sister human beings can't hurt... no, not at all. And if it helps, more power to us!

Thanks for being here, karlrschneider!

:hi:

I may not think there are gods that answer prayers, but on my better days I'm convinced the universe responds to intentions, at least at some level.

People are measured by how they treat the weak, by their generosity of spirit, by their outrage at injustice - by their empathy. Shared grief is lessened, so the universe can share my broken heart for a moment ot two.

That is about the most beautiful thing I've ever read! I agree! Intentions... I like the sound of that.

You are very spiritual (if you don't mind me saying so) for a self-professed atheist.

Thank you so much for being here.

:hug:

I'd say your views are more Christian than most "Christians" I know.
BHN

:hug:

:hug:

There's a lot of evil going on, and we need a lot of love to get the balance back on track!

Thank you so much for being here.

I have three great nieces who are about the same ages as those precious little girls.

Thanks so much for being here.

Thoughts and prayers going out to those 3 little girls and all the others suffering today.

:hug:

:grouphug:

:grouphug:

What beautiful children! What tragedies we have placed upon them. May God/dess, Yaweh, Jehovah, Muhammad, and all the others, be with them!

We'll accept blessings from all benevolent beings, even the human kind.

I'm so glad you are here...

:hug:

Moment of silence & prayer for Iraq and :hug: for you

I'm there too. This is a horrible thing to witness. It's got to end soon.

Thanks for helping to spread the love.

:hug:

surely things are going swimmingly, to see three- not one, not two, but (count them!!) three such lovely, plump, healthy little girls all together!




































:sarcasm:

And they wouldn't even consider it sarcasm.

Thanks for dropping by, kgfnally.



Edited to say... the little one on the right... I just want to hug her. You can see the hurt in her face. It must be so confusing for the little ones. It's confusing for us big ones!

For those of us who struggle to believe (and those of us who can't,) I still think the following is powerful.

The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:3-10

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Julie

I was just reading those earlier... tears welling up now...

:hug:

Thanks for joining in!

But I won't pray with you.

Care to know why?

Because children all over the world are victimized during all hours of the day and night.

If this outrages you are makes you sad or sick inside...DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

Don't pray! Work to stop war -ALL WAR- war hurts the women and children the most. Work for better economic policy- poverty destroys the lives of many children. Fight abuse whenever you see it, and work against cultural traditions that devalue children and women.

Don't look for the bearded one- that's just an excuse. Make your voice heard and your actions count! If it weren't tolerated and even encouraged, it wouldn't happen!

Faith without works is dead.
From the book of James.

BHN

On edit, no disrespect meant, just pointing
out that many agnostics and atheists sometimes
don't realize how their actions are more Christian,
in the sense of what Christianity really was meant to be,
than those who claim to BE Christians.

Which is what I try to do each day. Give a voice to the voiceless to the people who can do something about it.

You know, I was a deep spiritual christian, once. That as until I had a vision while I was doing my devotions. An angel came to me and said, "Don't lean on the Divine."

It took me a long time to accept that. Now, I do, rather than ask.

And that is what I ask of all of you- DO! If enough of us DO, then it will BE.

And in all living things... so if you address a living thing, you address God. Some believe God is in all inanimate objects too. The force that keeps all those molecular structures in place.

My friend Allogan was a brilliant attorney, an American Indian, and an Animist. He told me this same thing one day, and I'll never forget it.

It is my observation from my study of many Indigenous
cultures, that those who do not claim Christianity
are actually practising it far more effectively, according to scripture,
than those who actually claim to be Christians.
And, most of them have never even seen a bible.
You and I are on the same page.

BHN

Thanks, friend.

:hug:

I believe most all of us here on DU do work toward all those things. This is just a little chicken soup for the soul. If you don't want to join us in a cup, no one is forcing you. We can pray, and do all those things you speak of. Not praying, meditating, holding a positive thought won't make the work toward those goals any easier, but for some of us, it might.

Thanks for stopping by.

:hug:

But rarely do I see people help children in trouble. I've seen people beat their children in supermarkets, and not a twitch from anyone around.

Sympathy in abstract is rather pretty, but action is needed.

Can give a nudge to the action.

There are 10,000 children in Los Angeles county who go to bed hungry every night. Sometimes the only meal they have all day is the pitiful plate served them at school... and who will feed them in the summertime?

I have no doubt in my mind that many who visit this thread will turn around and do something wonderful for another human being today, or tomorrow. And the feeling of love that comes from doing those things will encourage their hearts to do more.

Alone, I can't save them all. But maybe by asking for a simple prayer, meditation, moment of silence, it will make someone else think... and perhaps they will do something for someone else... and so on and so on.

Does the breeze of one small butterfly's wings grow exponentially as it travels... could be.

Powerlessness is the most insidious poison ever crafted, and during this administration, they have used it most potently.

Perhaps your prayer moved me to speak, and perhaps my speaking will make people think twice when they see a hungry child, or an abused one, or simply a sad one.

10,000 children are worth the effort. 1 million children are with the effort. 1 billion children are worth the effort. 1 Child is worth the effort.

All it takes is one person shine a light, and offer a solution. How many lights are here right now?

You got it! This is what I'm talking about! You said exactly what I was trying to say, and far better than I have been able to here.

Thank you so much.

I used to ignore things like this too. "Not my business" and "What can I do?"

It turns out I can do a lot, and it's my world, so it's certainly my business!

"I believe that there will ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those who do the oppressing. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the system of exploitation. I believe that there will be that kind of clash but I don't think it will be based on the color of the skin."

Malcolm X

Yours, and Malcom X's. I wish more people would read again what he said. MLK too... I think the message has been lost.

I'm not sure why, but that number keeps popping up in my life. It made me smile to see it here:)

might their sufferings soon come to an end. You have my prayers; they have them - since it began.

I read a book once, written by a Jesuit priest, on the subject of Zen meditation. He covered a lot of common ground between many religions. I've had a high regard for Buddhists ever since.

I'm glad you are here!

:hug:

Praying for these children, and all the children suffering in the world today..

May they be happy.
May they be healthy.
May they grow in understanding.

:grouphug:

yes WE do.





The Bush administration doesn't care, The Australian Government, British government and their weasel allies don't care.

Rupert Murdoch doesn't care.

The Pope doesn't care.




Obviously God cares, yes pray.

Where two or more are gathered...

I remember seeing a TV commercial once where an auditorium full of people were meditating and concentrating on the center of the room... and "magically" a car appeared. I forget the "message" verbatim, but it was something to the effect that the mind of mankind is a powerful thing.

I believe the mind IS a powerful thing. Focusing attention, and intentions, as GliderGuider said above, "I'm convinced the universe responds to intentions," may be exactly what the world needs right now.

What have we done?

At least once a day I take time out to remember how lucky I am. I have a pretty wonderful husband. I have three great dogs (or they have me). And I have friends who feel like more like family to me than my own blood relatives. I know are women just like me in Iraq. So I take the time out to think about these things because I wonder how I would be handling having my life turned upside down my some drunken Texan halfway around the world.

I take so many things for granted every day of my life--potable water, food, electricity, streets that I can travel on without a constant fear of being blown up, knowing I can send my minor female relatives off to school without a constant fear that they will be kidnapped, raped, whored-out or killed--that a woman, very much like me, no longer has. What would it be like to have no security, no assurances, that you'll live out the day? What does it feel like to wonder if your children will live out the day? I don't want to know and I hate it that others are having to live their lives that way because of the mad man in control of government.

I also know there are people here in America who suffer every day too. I see them in my neighborhood. I help out the ones that I can with what I can. Some days it is only a hot meal. Some days it is a blanket or a place to sleep. Some days all I can give them is my ear. I've volunteered at one of the local homeless shelters and I do what I can.

I take time out every day to remember how lucky I am. I know there are people suffering everywhere and my heart aches because of it.

this world we live in. God bless the little children and everyone and everything else.

Thanks for being here.

:hug:

The only thing we can do is work to change the world around us and hope that it helps make a needed difference in someone's life.

Thanks for sharing that.

We are very lucky, every one of us here. Every single one of us here on DU have access to computers, electricity. That is a lot more than so many people, here and around the world.

My granny always said that when you are feeling down, you should count your blessings. You reminded me of this wisdom today. Thank you.

I think your words resonated with me because of, all things, the Fourth of July celebrations. My husband and I were hanging out with a couple of other DU'ers on evlbstrd's front porch on July 3rd enjoying each other's company and healthy portions of evlbstrd's barbeque. As the evening progressed we were serenaded by explosions of firecrackers coming from all directions. After a few particularly loud booms that set off car alarms and made the ground shake, proud2Blib said what I had been thinking: Imagine living with sounds like this every day. The difference is, when it happens in Iraq they aren't firecrackers. Instead the booming is attributable to bombs, gun fire and artillary.

I looked at the picture of the little girls and I know that the course of their lives has changed. It hurts. It really hurts.

And sadly, its lacking in society today. People like you, Mabus, who show their empathy is well and intact, renew my faith in the world.

who face death for the lack of a precious commodity we all take so for granted.

That photo is indeed heartbreaking. God bless those devastated by the madness. :cry:

I share your tears...

:hug:

Anyone who cannot feel for those babies, well, I feel sorry for that person.

:grouphug:

:grouphug:

I'm so glad you are here.

This thread is killing me. I don't want to cry at work, damn it.



I don't know if this is appropriate, but I feel like sharing my own history.

I'm an ELCA Lutheran, the liberal ones. The fundie Lutherans disapprove of us greatly.

My parents never made me go to church as a child. They'd stopped before I was born because a pastor pissed them off when they having financial difficulties by coming at them for their pledge like it was an unpaid bill, and a few other reasons. My mom would bring out the Bible story book during thunder storms though. Grandma belonged to what I called the "Church of the Month" club. She changed from Lutheran to Pentecostal to Christian Scientist to Jehovah's Witness by the end.

Grew up in Virginia for the first 10 years of my life watching the "Jim and Tammy Show" and the 700 Club because it seemed they were always on. I had the weirdest idea about what a Christian really was.

I ended up going to church on my own when I was 18 because I wanted to. No one even brought it up. All my parents did was point me to a church where we had some history as a family. Even so, I had to fight my way through the image I had of what a real Christian was, because I never measured up. I try not to let fundamentalists make me feel like a second hand Christian anymore.

I think it's absolutely appropriate to share it here.

My experience is very much like yours in many ways. The church elders didn't like it when I asked if it was good for Tammy Faye to wear all that makeup... and wasn't what God gave her good enough for her? I had simple questions... I drove them all nuts. My pastor had an affair with one of the congregation... a married woman. And when his wife heard about it, she tried to kill herself. That was the end for me.

The one thing I came away with was this: Don't put your faith in man (woman). Look to the source and don't let anyone take away what God reveals.

That bit about the money owed just made me sick. I can just imagine your parents struggling in hard times to keep the faith. What a cruel thing to do to them.

Thanks for joining in, LC... I'm running to the little girl's room a lot today myself. Can't let them see me cry!

This is all on their heads. They opened "Pandora's Box", with or without knowing what the consequences would be. I tend to believe that they were fully aware and didn't give a flying rat's a$$. It was all about power and greed. They need to make amends to the Iraqi people. I don't pray and prayer isn't what is needed in this situation. Stomp out the greed and that should go along way in making this right with the Iraqis.

Maybe you are right. Maybe God had nothing to do with it. Maybe he/she did. We are just people and we don't know everything. It might be that God is trying to get us off our fat butts and do something. I don't know... and no one on Earth knows either.

I agree with you on the greed thing. Absolutely, without question! Money is the root of all evil and it is a horrible thing to see how greed can kill.

Greed kills. I need a new bumper-sticker.

I think that prayer, meditations, positive thoughts, whatever you want to name it, helps a lot of us to focus our energies. It also helps us to calm our minds so that the superior mind in all of us can be heard above the din. It could be that a quiet moment is all it takes for someone, somewhere, to come up with a brilliant idea that would help everyone in a very tangible fashion. That's all I'm after here... that, and a feeling of coming together... a critical mass of mental energy.

Thanks for coming by. I'm glad you are here. You have contributed in a positive way, whether that was your intention or not. Thanks for being you.

I have had the privilege to read since I joined this wonderful group.

Count this agnostic among those who join you in praying for these children and all others involved in the senseless conflicts on this Mad World!

Kicked Recommended and Bookmarked!!!

I'm so glad you joined in. Shine a light in search of a beautiful soul, and you will find it!

:grouphug:

Thank you for your heart. {{{hug}}}

The more beautiful souls, the better!

I'm so glad you are here!

Thank you for your heart. {{{hug}}}

We can make a difference, I'm certain of it.

along with all their countrymen.

Ideed.

Thanks for sharing your kind heart and joining us here.

The whole world could use a little mercy now.

Mercy for all... for ourselves when we aren't happy with ourselves, for our friends and neighbors... for all of humankind. We need something good right now.

Thanks for being here.

I believe that Spirit is both within and without, like a powerful and loving energy. I'm a Unitarian-Universalist who studies New Thought (Religious Science, Unity, Transcendentalism). There is a System, if you will, that we use, through our mind, as we are part of the Universal Consciousness. I'm sending protective and healing energy their way. Peace on Earth - now; and so it is!


:grouphug:

We manifest Peace together here with the power of our minds and thoughts!

Thanks for the post!

I find it so interesting that there is a common thread of understanding in us all, regardless of our religious beliefs, or lack thereof... we are truly one in the spirit of the Universe.

Thank you for validating that thought, and thank you for the power of your kind words, and precious, healing, affirmative, positive thought!

Wonders can be created in this way, I'm certain of it!

:grouphug:

and feelng love and compassion and concern for them...

According to Matthew 25, "As you've done unto the least of these, so you have done unto me."

So, you agnostic, you, if we are to believe Matthew 25, you have opened your heart with love, compassion and concern... for that sandal-wearing, long-haired SOCIALIST freak... the one whose name is carried by millions of people.

Because you have kept your heart from hardening.

Because you care for those you don't even know, and will never meet.

"The least"

Three little girls and a sandal-wearing hippie "terrorist" of his day.

That passage of Matthew says that because you have extended your self for the "least", you will be seated at his right hand.

Now, what say you, you agnostic, you?

Peace, and love, friend!

:hug:

Your words are so profound, and so touching.

:hug:

All that is good comes from the same source, I'm believing that more and more. And all the precious souls who have joined in here have validated that thought a thousand fold.

Me too... and that thought was the base. I'm seeing my thought proved here, that we are all connected by spirit. You don't have to believe in any organized religion, you don't have to believe in a Deity of any kind, to feel that unity.

I'm so glad you are here.

:hug:

I was believing for something like this! Thank you for yielding to the Spirit in the calling upon those so led to join together, one mind and one accord, in offering up prayer for all of our brothers & sisters who suffer, for the reversal of the work of iniquity that has assaulted our nation & world, that Truth & Justice will prevail.

P_P

Thank you so much for your wise words!

Isn't it amazing what you can find in the hearts of men and women when you shine one tiny light?

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever witnessed. A pouring out of human kindness, faith, and a calling out for mercy.

I'm so glad you joined in! You've touched me with your words.

It may give you a sense of having done something, but it doesn't do a damn thing for these little girls. You would have more impact doing something as seemingly insignificant as writing a letter to your congressman or the editor of your local daily. Better yet, give some money to an organization that would actually use it to help.

I don't mean to be a jerk. I'm just saying if you want to do something, then do something. Don't just pretend to do something.

:hide:

You are right in a sense, typing words on this cyber page in and of itself doesn't help those little kids in any tangible way. However, and this is key, prayer, meditation, focus of thought (which is pure energy) does get people thinking. I have no doubt that due to the shared feelings here, many people have stepped away from their computers and have done something wonderful with that energy.

See? You weren't a jerk at all. I'm glad you are here.

:hug:

I wish I were wrong.

Thanks for stopping by, beastieboy.

is falling apart.

bryon is outraged to be put on the spot.

Can you elaborate.

Let me take this opportunity to say, you are one of my favorite DU posters.

I tend to be more Spiritual and think about what I see and feel, rather than give myself to something I can't quite get my mind around.

I was raised as a strict Catholic, but left years ago... sought other religions but have yet to find my niche!

I will now bow my head in prayer!

I think you have found your niche... it just hasn't found you yet. I feel the same way about myself!

I'm so glad you joined in. Thanks.

As long as intention is not a substitute for action, prayer cannot hurt, and maybe it'll help.

This former catholic atheist mom will join you in your prayer. I hope the Mother, if she is there, is listening.

I believe that is true. I think if we have the intention, and keep a light shining on that positive thought, when the World presents an opportunity to do good, we are ready, willing and able to jump to action. I further believe that opportunity knocks loudly all day long... it just falls on a lot of ears that choose not to hear. I think by focusing our intent, we will hear the knocking without fail!

Thanks for being here!

Agnostic here, too.

Every positive thought counts!

As we learn from the documentary "Why We Fight", war is a part of the Democratic party as much as it is of the Republican Party. Our economy is fueled by war profits. Only 12 Senators voted against the Iraq war, two in my state. So, my suggestion is getting to the roots of the problem. Treat the causes of war, primarily the U.S. military industrial complex. The rest will fall into place.

Provide humanitarian aid too, just realize that aid is a bandaid solution, when the world really needs an immunization against U.S. agression.

Thanks for chiming in, and the positive thinking, ozone_man.

prayer is not counterproductive, even if one does not believe in a higher power like most do, then it at least helps focus our minds on higher things, such as compassion and reminders to do good to our fellow mankind.

I worship the Lord and I pray to Him for a blessing upon those who suffer every single day, and I pray for all of us here on DU to always take action to be good to one another, and finally I pray for those who do not follow the humility and teachings of Christ whether they be believers or not, especially those in power who use it mercilessly, because the teachings of the Beattitudes Jesus spoke, can be rendered as a lesson for all if they don't choose to listen, well, shame on them. Thank you for such a great thread Juniperx :yourock:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted
Blessed are the meek,
for that shall possess the earth
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice
for they shall be satisfied
Blessed are the merciful
for they shall obtain mercy
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they shall see God
Blessed are the peacemakers
for they shall be called children of God
Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven
Blessed are you when men reproach you, and
persecute you, and
speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you,
for my sake.

We all have more in common than we know. Thanks for being here!

:hug:

:hug:

madness to end....usually when I'm looking at my 2 year old son or feeling my baby kick inside my belly.

You bet I will pray. Those beautiful, innocent little girls....

“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6 : 8)

But when I read about your baby kicking, the precious memories came flooding back! Thank you for that.

When I was pregnant with my first child, the Jonestown massacre hit the news ( Kool-aid, remember the origin? ) and I thought to myself, what kind of world am I bringing my child into? Then, when he was 11 months old, John Lennon was killed. I sobbed for hours. Not only because the world had lost so much, but my son would grow up in a world without John... I'd named my son Jonathan... for Jonathan Livingston Seagull (a novel that touched me deeply as a teenager) and for Lennon.

It's hard to have such empathy sometimes, but I think mothers get an extra dose when they are expecting and raising their children.

Thanks for joining us here. All the best to you and your young family! You've brought back such precious memories! Take lots of pictures, and give lots of hugs.

:grouphug:

But then I must demand that we get back into action to remove the monsters that created this situation. I can only look to my own hands and my fellow humans to right these wrongs and I will place a high demand on any that profess compassion.

When people gather like this, it serves to further the resolve. You damn betcha there will be a lot of people who have chimed in here taking extra steps toward what you are saying. That is the desired end result.

Warm fuzzies are a bi-product.

;)

The power of collective thought is/can be a moving experience, sometimes prayer isn't so bad no matter what you embrace.

Thanks for chiming in, stop the bleeding.

No matter what you call it, prayer, meditation... whatever... it's all good!

And for any nay-sayers... moving can get you moving! I believe this group will move some stuff!

We can change things... we better!

Thanks for chiming in, defendandprotect!

and noticed today Bush was calling a meeting -- !!!

Didn't see anything on that here -- I'll have to recheck --

Who's he kidding?

But, we'll need the help of all the fates in order to escape this one.

:eyes:

Here in Ohio, the heat index is inching towards 105 today. We can get water anytime to quench our thirst. Such a sad situation for everyone in Iraq nowadays. Adding my prayers in too.